March–May 2016

The title of the new series of discussions, which will be inaugurated in Wrocław Contemporary Museum in March, is a paraphrase of the slogan used during Bill Clinton’s presidential campaign in 1992 (“Economy, stupid!”). Clinton’s strategists thus emphasised that what really counts is the economy. In today’s Poland, it seems that the most neglected sphere is community building. Creating strong bonds between people, strengthening grassroots and local initiatives, and developing social capitals are of key importance when aiming at a successful revitalization of Polish towns and cities. Of course, infrastructure also matters, but it is just an empty framework without people who can use it to create other values. During the series of meetings we would like to think about the state of “the Polish community.” What defines and limits it, and what factors contribute to its existence? What is the role of culture in shaping social ties?

We have divided the cycle into a theoretical part (discussions and lectures) and a practical one (workshops). The subjects we propose are the starting point which can and surely will be constantly broadened.

We will begin by discussing how to understand community today and whether culture animation can become the tool for its building/strengthening.